Health, Puppies & Stud Dogs

The current mantra of the Kennel Club is "FIT FOR LIFE, FIT FOR PURPOSE" and this is very close to my heart. I have for many years endeavoured to breed Golden Retrievers that were suitable as companions, to live with the old or young, or to work in either the shooting field or as assistance dogs. Golden Retrievers can make stunning show dogs and enthusiastic agility or obedience dogs. As a breed they can wear many hats and are keen to try whatever you have the patience to teach them.

The Golden Retriever is a very healthy breed, but like any living creature – and of course that includes us – they suffer from disease. By carefully screening the animals we include in our breeding programmes we can hopefully reduce the chances of the heartbreak that disease and disability can cause. With the help of the British Veterinary Association and the Kennel Club we follow their health guidelines.

Hip & Elbow Scoring Schemes

This can be done once dogs reach twelve months of age. The dog is x-rayed under sedation and the plates are submitted to the British Veterinary Association where they are given a hip score by a panel of specialist vets. The score can range from 0 to 53 on each hip with a maximum total score of 106. Each hip is scored separately and may have different numbers. The lower the score the better. The breed average in Golden Retrievers is a total figure of around 20. Before breeding you must hip score.

At Crufts 1998 the British Veterinary Association and the Kennel Club launched a 'new 'scheme for the grading of elbows, I always thought our Kennel Club were rather late to the party on that one! All of my stock are elbow scored as well as hip scored upon reaching one year.

Eye Testing Scheme

Only a limited number of veterinary surgeons can issue eye testing certificates, they have specific ophthalmology qualifications. All my dogs are DNA tested clear for Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRA1 and PRA2 but before breeding you must still have eyes tested. The test also confirms that the dog is free from Hereditary Cataract (HC). This basic BVA/KC eye test certificate is valid for one year.

I have also been having the gonioscopy test done on my dogs for very many years to assess the predisposition for the development of glaucoma, this is now called the PLA or Pectinate Ligament Abnormality test. This test certificate is valid for three years.

Heart Testing

There is no official heart testing scheme for the Golden Retriever, but for very many years I have taken the opportunity of getting all of my dogs examined by a cardiologist prior to breeding.

Puppies and Stud Dogs

If you are looking for a stud dog or a puppy, do get in touch. I very rarely breed myself but I will be able to give you any information you require in regards to breeding or about puppies born or due. Contact me directly, preferably by email at heather@xanthos.co.uk or 07836 548209